Associate Applications Scientist

About the role

Eastman Chemical Company is seeking an experienced Applications Development / Research Scientist to advance the Aventa™ biodegradable polymers product family through product development, compounding and scale-up of novel cellulose ester-based formulations.

Responsibilities

• Participate in, align with, and influence Eastman’s market segment team strategy (Application Development, Product Development, Marketing, Sales, Technical Service, Product Management, Regulatory, Manufacturing).
• Translate customer and market needs into technical requirements and Critical to Quality (CTQ) metrics to guide product concepts and product selection.
• Lead and support market-facing Stage Gate projects; define technical milestones, risks and mitigation plans.
• Design and execute application- and formulation-specific experiments to develop fundamental understanding of melt rheology and relate rheological metrics to processing performance and end-use properties.
• Formulate and compound cellulose ester polymer blends and additive systems to meet targeted rheology, mechanical, optical and compostability requirements; optimize cost/performance trade-offs.
• Run, interpret and apply rheometry, MFI/MI, melt strength and processability tests; translate results to processing windows and machine settings.
• Design and analyze DOE and statistical studies to optimize formulations and process parameters.
• Support lab, pilot and scale up compounding/extrusion trials; troubleshoot processing challenges and recommend robust, safe operating conditions.
• Facilitate and run customer trials and internal validations; communicate results and convert validated trials into product development actions.
• Create and protect innovative solutions via patent disclosures and support intellectual property activities.
• Prepare clear technical documentation and oral presentations for internal and external stakeholders (test reports, technical data sheets, regulatory inputs).
• Apply and promote rigorous safety and environmental practices: lead hazard assessments, ensure compliant handling and disposal of materials, and support other safety programs.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Polymer Science/Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field required.
• 5+ years industry experience translating polymer formulation fundamentals into commercial scale products highly preferred.
• Demonstrated hands on experience with melt rheology testing and interpretation.
• Practical experience in formulation, compounding and extrusion (lab and pilot scale).
• Strong understanding of polymer structure–property relationships and how formulation and processing influence end use properties and compostability.
• Experience designing and analyzing DOE and applying statistics to drive formulation/process decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present technical results to cross functional teams and customers.
• Proven commitment to safety and environmental compliance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in design, processability, and structure-properties of cellulose esters.
• Hands on experience with injection molding, profile extrusion, thermoforming and pilot scale extrusion.
• Experience developing compostable polymer formulations and familiarity with standards (e.g., ASTM D6400, EN 13432, or equivalent).
• Hands on experience with injection molding, profile extrusion, thermoforming and pilot scale extrusion. Especially preferred for cellulose ester polymers.
• Familiarity with polymer analytics: GPC/SEC, DSC, TGA, DMA, FTIR, tensile/impact testing.
• Experience with rheology modeling or predictive tools (e.g., RheoWin, MATLAB) and with data tools (JMP, Python desirable).
• Track record of patent filings or published technical reports related to polymer formulations or rheology.
• Experience running customer application trials and translating feedback into product designs.